Cairnholy Glen

Valley in Kirkcudbrightshire

Scotland

Cairnholy Glen

Cliff-McCulloch Memorial on Cairny Hill Memorial to members of the Cliff-McCulloch family. The inscription reads:
Sacred | to the memory of | Janet McCulloch Cliff-McCulloch | the wife of | E. A. Cliff-McCulloch, | who died at Kirkclaugh, on the 28th March 1911, | in her 59th year. | "A woman greatly beloved." | And of her husband | Edward Adam Cliff-McCulloch | who died at Carlisle on the 31st August 1915, | in his 64th year, | and of their third son | Walter Alexander Cliff-McCulloch | Lieutenant, Royal Irish Rifles, | killed in action in France on the 27th February 1916 | and buried in the British Cemetery Vermelles, | aged 29 years. | And of their grand-son | Alexander Peter Cliff-McCulloch | Sgt. Air Gunner killed night 31st May - 1st June 1944 | on flying operations over North Sea, | aged 28 [y]ear[s]. | And of their eldest son | Willian Edward Clif[f]-McCulloch | father of Alexander P[e]ter | D[ie]d 1[3?]th Oct. 1957, [ag]ed 76 years.
Cliff-McCulloch Memorial on Cairny Hill Credit: Colin Mackenzie

Cairnholy Glen is a picturesque valley located in Kirkcudbrightshire, in southwest Scotland. The glen is known for its tranquil and scenic beauty, with lush greenery, rolling hills, and a meandering stream running through the valley. The area is rich in history, with ancient stone circles and burial cairns dating back to the Neolithic period.

One of the most prominent features of Cairnholy Glen is the two well-preserved chambered cairns known as Cairnholy I and Cairnholy II. These burial mounds are thought to have been constructed around 4000 to 6000 years ago and are of significant archaeological interest. Visitors can explore these ancient sites and learn about the burial practices of the early inhabitants of the area.

Cairnholy Glen is a popular destination for hikers, nature lovers, and history enthusiasts alike. The peaceful surroundings and stunning views make it a perfect spot for a leisurely walk or a picnic. The valley is also home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, deer, and other native species.

Overall, Cairnholy Glen offers a unique blend of natural beauty and historical significance, making it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the Kirkcudbrightshire region.

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Cairnholy Glen Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.858847/-4.3060817 or Grid Reference NX5253. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Cliff-McCulloch Memorial on Cairny Hill Memorial to members of the Cliff-McCulloch family. The inscription reads:
Sacred | to the memory of | Janet McCulloch Cliff-McCulloch | the wife of | E. A. Cliff-McCulloch, | who died at Kirkclaugh, on the 28th March 1911, | in her 59th year. | "A woman greatly beloved." | And of her husband | Edward Adam Cliff-McCulloch | who died at Carlisle on the 31st August 1915, | in his 64th year, | and of their third son | Walter Alexander Cliff-McCulloch | Lieutenant, Royal Irish Rifles, | killed in action in France on the 27th February 1916 | and buried in the British Cemetery Vermelles, | aged 29 years. | And of their grand-son | Alexander Peter Cliff-McCulloch | Sgt. Air Gunner killed night 31st May - 1st June 1944 | on flying operations over North Sea, | aged 28 [y]ear[s]. | And of their eldest son | Willian Edward Clif[f]-McCulloch | father of Alexander P[e]ter | D[ie]d 1[3?]th Oct. 1957, [ag]ed 76 years.
Cliff-McCulloch Memorial on Cairny Hill
Memorial to members of the Cliff-McCulloch family. The inscription reads: Sacred | to the memory of | Janet McCulloch Cliff-McCulloch | the wife of | E. A. Cliff-McCulloch, | who died at Kirkclaugh, on the 28th March 1911, | in her 59th year. | "A woman greatly beloved." | And of her husband | Edward Adam Cliff-McCulloch | who died at Carlisle on the 31st August 1915, | in his 64th year, | and of their third son | Walter Alexander Cliff-McCulloch | Lieutenant, Royal Irish Rifles, | killed in action in France on the 27th February 1916 | and buried in the British Cemetery Vermelles, | aged 29 years. | And of their grand-son | Alexander Peter Cliff-McCulloch | Sgt. Air Gunner killed night 31st May - 1st June 1944 | on flying operations over North Sea, | aged 28 [y]ear[s]. | And of their eldest son | Willian Edward Clif[f]-McCulloch | father of Alexander P[e]ter | D[ie]d 1[3?]th Oct. 1957, [ag]ed 76 years.
Field, Ravenshall
Field, Ravenshall
Ravenshall Wood Between the coast and A75.
Ravenshall Wood
Between the coast and A75.
A75, Ravenshall
A75, Ravenshall
A75, Cairnhill
A75, Cairnhill
Fields, Kirkdale Above a steep drop to the shoreline.
Fields, Kirkdale
Above a steep drop to the shoreline.
Ravenshall Point Looking ESE along the shoreline of Wigtown Bay.
Ravenshall Point
Looking ESE along the shoreline of Wigtown Bay.
Rocks at Ravenshall Point The grid reference and direction are approximate.
Rocks at Ravenshall Point
The grid reference and direction are approximate.
Rocks at Ravenshall Point The coastline at Borness Point, south of Kirkcudbright, is seen on the left.
Rocks at Ravenshall Point
The coastline at Borness Point, south of Kirkcudbright, is seen on the left.
Rocks at Ravenshall Point A fine geological specimen! If I am given the technical details, I will happily include them.
Rocks at Ravenshall Point
A fine geological specimen! If I am given the technical details, I will happily include them.
Chambered Cairn at Cairnholy Cairnholy chambered cairns lie just off the A75 between Gatehouse of Fleet and Creetown.  The Cairns are well signposted and the single track road that leads you to them is very scenic.  Towards evening, if you are fortunate you may see owls gliding silently through the shadows of the woods.  The cairns may well have been part of a larger group of burials and are oriented in a north south direction with a magnificent view of the sunset across Wigtown Bay to the West.
Chambered Cairn at Cairnholy
Cairnholy chambered cairns lie just off the A75 between Gatehouse of Fleet and Creetown. The Cairns are well signposted and the single track road that leads you to them is very scenic. Towards evening, if you are fortunate you may see owls gliding silently through the shadows of the woods. The cairns may well have been part of a larger group of burials and are oriented in a north south direction with a magnificent view of the sunset across Wigtown Bay to the West.
Road cutting, Barholm Wood looking across the A75 at the Heughs of Barholm
Road cutting, Barholm Wood
looking across the A75 at the Heughs of Barholm
Cairnholy 1: chambered tomb Remains of neolithic chambered tomb, 4000-6000 years old. See also photo of Cairnholy 2, 150 yards from this one.
Cairnholy 1: chambered tomb
Remains of neolithic chambered tomb, 4000-6000 years old. See also photo of Cairnholy 2, 150 yards from this one.
Cairnholy 2: chambered tomb This is the second Cairnholy tomb: please also see the photo of Cairnholy 1. Tombs for the ancestors were important for the early farming communities that lived here in the neolithic period between 6000-4000 years ago.
Cairnholy 2: chambered tomb
This is the second Cairnholy tomb: please also see the photo of Cairnholy 1. Tombs for the ancestors were important for the early farming communities that lived here in the neolithic period between 6000-4000 years ago.
Cairnholy II Chambered Cairn Cairnholy II was excavated in 1949 along with its neighbour, Cairnholy I (see NX5153).  Finds from it included Beaker pottery.  The taller of the two portal stones seen here is 2.9 metres high.  The other has perhaps been broken.
Cairnholy II Chambered Cairn
Cairnholy II was excavated in 1949 along with its neighbour, Cairnholy I (see NX5153). Finds from it included Beaker pottery. The taller of the two portal stones seen here is 2.9 metres high. The other has perhaps been broken.
Barholm Castle Restored from a roofless ruin 2003-2006. Probably built in the late 16th Century by a branch of the McCulloch clan. Stands above the A75 overlooking Wigtown Bay.
Barholm Castle
Restored from a roofless ruin 2003-2006. Probably built in the late 16th Century by a branch of the McCulloch clan. Stands above the A75 overlooking Wigtown Bay.
Pasture Limit, Looking Down to Auchenlarie Burn Limit of the improved land used for pasture.
Pasture Limit, Looking Down to Auchenlarie Burn
Limit of the improved land used for pasture.
Quad Bike Track, Barholm Hill With views across Fleet Bay.
Quad Bike Track, Barholm Hill
With views across Fleet Bay.
Show me another place!

Cairnholy Glen is located at Grid Ref: NX5253 (Lat: 54.858847, Lng: -4.3060817)

Unitary Authority: Dumfries and Galloway

Police Authority: Dumfries and Galloway

What 3 Words

///settle.mouse.norms. Near Whithorn, Dumfries & Galloway

Related Wikis

Cairnholy

Cairnholy (or Cairn Holy) is the site of two Neolithic chambered tombs of the Clyde type. It is located 4 kilometres east of the village of Carsluith in...

Kirkdale Bridge

Kirkdale Bridge is a bridge over the Kirkdale Burn in the parish of Kirkmabreck, between Gatehouse of Fleet and Creetown in Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland...

Barholm Castle

Barholm Castle is a tower house located 5 miles (8.0 km) south-west of Gatehouse of Fleet, in Kirkcudbrightshire, Galloway, Scotland. The tower dates back...

Ravenshall Wood

Ravenshall Wood is a Site of Special Scientific Interest, located 5 kilometres east of Creetown in the historic county of Kirkcudbrightshire, Dumfries...

Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 54.858847,-4.3060817
Cairnholy 1
Alt Name: Carnholy I;Carn Holy;Kirkdale;Cairn Holy Chambered Cairn;Cairn Holy 1
Archaeological Site: megalith
Description: Cairn Holy, chambered cairn 190m SSW of Cairnholy
Historic: archaeological_site
Material: stone
Megalith Type: chambered_cairn
Website: https://www.megalithic.co.uk/article.php?sid=517
Wikidata: Q56667464
Lat/Long: 54.8578354/-4.3106806
Cairnholy 2
Alt Name: Cairnholy North;Cairnholy II;Caldus's Tomb;Cairn Holy Chambered Cairn;Cairn Holy 2
Archaeological Site: megalith
Description: Cairn Holy, chambered cairn 35m S of Cairnholy
Historic: archaeological_site
Material: stone
Megalith Type: chambered_cairn
Website: https://www.megalithic.co.uk/article.php?sid=518
Wikidata: Q56667462
Wikipedia: en:Cairnholy
Lat/Long: 54.8592084/-4.3099528
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 54.8568356/-4.3121764
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 54.8564744/-4.3111679
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 54.8562318/-4.3105232
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 54.8557034/-4.3090451
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 54.8552901/-4.307927
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 54.8550298/-4.3071764
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 54.8545246/-4.3058176
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 54.857405/-4.3123304
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 54.8579811/-4.3124978
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 54.8586546/-4.3118973
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 54.859193/-4.3114143
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 54.8597025/-4.3109543
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 54.8602243/-4.3104847
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 54.8608601/-4.3099093
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 54.8616538/-4.3097819
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 54.8624259/-4.3096431
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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